Week 4...Beginner Blogger and Creekside Concert

I decided I needed a place to keep and share my experiences for these 52 weeks...so, I started a blog, made a domain name, and here we are! I enjoy reading other people's work, but never thought about having my own space to share with those interested or curious. I guess that is until now and therefore my new adventure is starting a blog on my own site Myjoyfulera.com. I am not a Swiftie, but I am determined to make this era of my life JOYFUL! JOY is my word. I've had it as my 'Word of the Year' for three years running. I've even been known to use Joy as my pseudonym from time to time.

During the past year, joy was often hard to find. It got buried beneath a mountain of grief. Grief so overwhelming I wasn't sure I'd find my way out. What I realized is grief never leaves you; it just changes and it can change on a dime. I sought help and I luckily was paired with the most amazing therapist. She worked with me and taught me strategies to use when I feel overwhelmed, anxious, grief stricken, alone...the unbearable pain of losing both my parents within a short period of time was something I wasn't prepared to handle. Now I feel more equipped to manage the waves of emotions I experience throughout the days and weeks. My reminder is to live in honor of my parents...to embody the characteristics which made them the amazing people they were to me and all who knew them. They each brought so much JOY to the world.

And that brings me back to My Joyful Era...to live with joy, to bring joy, and to experience joy. Welcome to my blog as I share the joy of new experiences.

Week 4 Adventures continued....

My first Creekside Concert! My friend, Jen, organized a get together to see one of our favorite bands, The Good Fuzz, back on stage. I loved being together and experiencing this beautiful new venue. We already love the new restaurants and golf simulator at Creekside-now we have a new favorite concert venue! Not to mention, this tree is truly breathtaking and it's practically in our backyard.